The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Explore Rabun County this spring
Trails and waterfalls beckon you to put on those hiking shoes.
Spring is a great time to dust off your hiking boots and head outside to explore the many trails and waterfalls in Rabun County. Hiking is especially ideal this season; you can enjoy fewer crowds and cooler temperatures to journey through Georgia and enjoy all the gems our great state offers.
Tallulah Gorge State Park is one of Georgia’s most picturesque and popular hiking destinations — several waterfalls formed from the Tallulah River, spanning nearly two miles long and 1,000 feet deep. Hikers can journey through the rim trails to check out several overlooks or obtain a permit to hike the gorge floor. These permits are limited to 100 explorers daily and unavailable during scheduled water releases.
A shorter hike can be found on Hurricane Falls Trail, which is just more than a 2-mile short but steep adventure with well-maintained trails and moderate difficulty. The gorge is bounded upstream by a dam, and the river typically runs low. But on a few weekends in the spring and fall Georgia Power releases water into it, which makes kayaking and white water rafting possible, allowing visitors to see the river’s natural flow. Though dogs are welcome on a leash on the Tallulah Gorge rim trails, they are not permitted on the Gorge Trail or Hurricane Falls Trail.
Not far from Tallulah Gorge State Park is Moccasin Creek State Park, considered one of Rabun County’s most scenic state parks. This area is also dog-friendly — just remember to keep your furry friend on a leash. This is a must-do adventure if you are a fan of the falls. Hemlock Falls is a 2-mile round-trip hike that offers a lush forest, with rhododendrons blooming along the trail in the spring. The trail meanders along the creek and crosses a wooden bridge. Then, climb a stone staircase before being greeted by this beautiful waterfall.
Another state park, Black Rock Mountain, offers lodging in 10 cabins so you can go to sleep and wake up with amazing views. Two of the cabins have dog-friendly reservations — just be sure to make them in advance.
After you’ve rested up and you want a challenging hike, try hiking at Stonewall Creek Falls, which is part of the U.S. Forest Service. It’s another way to spot a waterfall with your pup, too. White Twister Trail is a very popular adjacent mountain biking trail. The 4.5-mile twisting, winding route crosses the creek four times and takes cyclists through gorgeous falls.
If you need to quench your thirst with another of Rabun County’s Instagrammable waterfalls, don’t pass up the more manageable, less-thana-half-mile hike to Minnehaha Falls. The name is fun to say, and the view you will get at the end of the .4-mile hike is worth the trek over countless roots as you trek to the top. Don’t forget to wear sensible shoes and be careful where you step.
Of course, not all falls require a hike. Mud Creek Falls, with falls that drop 100 feet and flow into Estatoah Falls, is a great place for a picnic with tables available on a first-come, first-serve basis. But if you do have the urge to stretch your legs a little, an easy out-and-back trail starts at the base of the falls.
Speaking of falls, on the eastern side of the county is Dick Creek Falls. It descends 60 feet into the Chattooga River. Take this hike to experience the scenic beauty of the forest as the river tumbles through. You’ll be captured by the natural scenery of the National Wild and Scenic River. And before you leave, a 20-minute walk will take you to Martin Creek Falls along the west side of the creek. It’s a two-tier waterfall with aquatic plants covering the weeping rock wall and the perfect way to round out your waterfall excursion in the area.
From waterfalls to mountain tops, while you’re there, visit the nearby Bartram Trail, named for the 18th-century American naturalist. William Bartram traveled southeastern colonial America between the years of 1773 and 1777. Hiking up this popular trail to Rabun Bald will give you gorgeous views of mountain vistas. When you reach the summit of the second-highest peak in Georgia, there’s an observation tower to glimpse the views extending for over 100 miles. It’s worth noting that the Bartram Trail to Rabun Bald is a challenging hike and gains elevation quickly. For the less adventurous who still want a stunning view from the 4,969foot peak, Beegum Gap Trail is the way to go.
Make time this spring to breathe in the fresh mountain air that the great state of Georgia offers and discover the culture of the various mountain adventures in Rabun County. For more information, visit explorerabun.com.